Biological Systems MCAT Practice Exam

What is the pulse pressure?

1. The average of systolic and diastolic pressure

2. The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure

3. The pressure at which the heart beats

4. The pressure exerted by blood on vessel walls

The correct answer is: The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure

Pulse pressure is defined as the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart muscles, while diastolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart muscle is resting between beats. By measuring the difference between these two pressures, one can assess the condition of the cardiovascular system. A larger pulse pressure can indicate laxer arterial walls or increased stroke volume, while a smaller pulse pressure may signify conditions affecting blood flow or heart function. This concept is critical in evaluating cardiovascular health and can provide insights into conditions such as hypertension or heart failure. Understanding that pulse pressure is not an average, nor is it directly associated with the actual pressures exerted during heartbeats or the overall pressure against the blood vessel walls is also important in distinguishing it from other cardiovascular metrics.